Floating platform for an electronic device

ABSTRACT

A floating platform for an electronic device is provided in order to provide a user the ability to view the display of the electronic device while the platform and electronic device are floating on water. The floating platform provides a stand capable of orienting the electronic device in an orientation suitable for viewing the display of the device while the floating platform and electronic device are situated on the water surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/657,310, filed Apr. 13, 2018, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a floating platform for an electronicdevice wherein the floating platform is capable of floating on thesurface of water with an electronic device situated within or thereon.The floating platform provides a stand capable of orienting theelectronic device in an orientation suitable for viewing the display ofthe device while the floating platform and electronic device aresituated on or above the water surface.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Electronic devices typically do not have water-resistance to preventdamage to the sensitive electronics that make up the device.Accordingly, users are hesitant to take these devices into bodies ofwater like lakes, pools, hot tubs, baths, etc. However, electronicdevices have become more ubiquitous, simple, and have ever increasingfunctionality including the ability to communicate with others, provideaccess to information, and provide video and audio entertainment. Thesebenefits have resulted in the increased usage of electronic devices inbodies of water locations which are hazardous to the device. Forexample, electronic devices with large viewable displays now provide theability to watch visual forms of media or video chat while the user issituated in a body of water. Cases are often provided for these devicesto reduce the possibility of inadvertent contact between water anddevice or to prevent sinking of the device. However, these cases onlyserve to protect the device and do nothing to support the otherabilities afforded by the electronic devices. In cases designed forfloating electronic devices, the buoyancy is present to prevent sinkingof the device and results in viewable displays lying parallel with thewater surface or submerged. Such device orientation provides anuncomfortable viewing angle for the user. Consequently, users are notable to comfortably view video entertainment on their devices while inor near water without holding them or setting the device in an area awayfrom the water.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a floatingplatform capable of supporting an electronic device on the surface ofwater in a stationary position with respect to the platform such thatthe stationary position orients the device so that a user maycomfortably view the display of the device. Typically, the floatingplatform is able to achieve this without requiring to user to hold thedevice and also has some water-proofing features.

In most embodiments, the floating platform for supporting an electronicdevice with a viewable display comprises: (a) buoyant material; (b) astand configured to support the electronic device in a stationaryposition with respect to the floating platform and wherein the viewableplane of the display of the electronic device in the stationary positionis oriented non-parallel with a water surface when the platform andsupported device are floating in water; and (c) wherein the floatingplatform or stand have the ability to shield the device from waterdamage. The buoyant material is dimensioned to be capable of floatingthe electronic device supported on said platform on a water surface.Typically, the entirety of the electronic device floats above thesurface of water when the electronic device is supported on saidplatform and said platform is in water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the floating platformwith an electronic device situated therein.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A with themultiple stationary positions possible for viewing the display of theelectronic device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the floatingplatform comprising a housing which surrounds the electronic device andvarious stabilization features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, “a” or “an” may mean one or more than one of an item.

The floating platform is configured to allow a user to easily view thedisplay of an electronic device while the platform is floating in waterwith the device supported by the floating platform. Referring now toFIG. 1A, floating platform 5 comprises buoyant material 10 and standportion 15. Floating platform 5 supports electronic device 20. In theembodiment depicted, buoyant material 10 is configured in a cylindricalarrangement, but may take any shape to provide the required buoyanceincluding cuboid, toroid, bucket shaped, etc. In some embodiments, thebuoyant material may comprise a solid material such as foam or cork. Thebuoyant material may also comprise a combination of a solid and gas, forexample the buoyant material may comprise a water-resistant housing andcomprise a gas such as air. Electronic device 20 comprising display 22is situated in a stationary position at or above the surface of watersuch that the plane of display 22 forms an obtuse angle with the surfaceof water. The stationary position of electronic device 20 orientsdisplay 22 in a landscape configuration with the longer axis of display22 oriented parallel with the water surface. This stationary positionmay facilitate the viewing of videos from the electronic device. Inother embodiments, the stationary position orients the electronic devicein portrait configuration. In some embodiments, the floating platformmay support the electronic device in an orientation such that the planeof the visual display has an obtuse angle with the surface of the water.In the embodiment depicted, the stationary position of electronic device20 is achieved through use of angled support structure 30 and angularsupport ridge 35. In some embodiments, the floating platform may supportthe electronic device in an orientation such that the plane of thevisual display has right or nearly right (e.g., 85°-95°, etc.) anglewith the surface of the water. This angle of the stationary position maybe set by, for example, angled support structure 30. The stand may beconfigured to permit stationary positions each with a different viewingangles as shown in FIG. 1B.

Typically the floating platform is dimensioned to permit one electronicdevice to be supported within or thereon. In other embodiments, thefloating platform may comprise more than one stands such that multiple(e.g., two, three, four, etc.) electronic devices may be supported. Inembodiments supporting multiple electronic devices, the stationaryposition of each electronic device may be oriented such that thedisplays can be viewed at different positions. For example, the floatingplatform may accommodate two electronic devices, and the displays areoriented for viewing in opposite directions with respect to the floatingplatform.

Portions of the stand portion of the floating platform may be made of amovable or bendable material to allow a user to change the stationaryorientation of the electronic device with respect to the surface of thewater. For example, the stand portion may allow the user to choose theviewing angle of the electronic device with respect to the watersurface. As can be seen in FIG. 1B, stand portion 15 of floatingplatform 5 can be configured such that multiple stationary positions ofthe electronic device (i.e., the position of the electronic devicesituated on the platform without one or more user forces applied to theplatform) may be obtained. In some embodiments, the stand portioncomprises a flexible portion capable of changing the stationary positionof the electronic device such that the plane of the display at multipleangles with respect to the surface of the water. This flexible portionmay comprise of a flexible material such as plastic, a hinge, and/or anyother means for providing flexibility in the stationary position of theelectronic device.

The stand portion may comprise an additional case for the electronicdevice. The case may be water-resistant or water-proof such that theelectronic device is protected from contact with water. In someembodiments, the case comprises a transparent cover which can be pressedagainst the viewable display. For electronic devices with touchsensitivity on the viewable display (e.g., smartphones, tablets, etc.)the transparent cover may be pressed against the viewable display foroperation of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the case isremovably attached to the stand. In some embodiments, the floatingplatform provides attachment means to connect to a case. In otherembodiments, the case in integrally formed with the stand.

An example of an integrally formed case and stand is shown in FIG. 2.Floating platform 105 comprises a stand portion 110 and buoyant material115. In the embodiment depicted, stand portion 115, is integrally formedwith buoyant material 110. Surrounding stand portion 115 is a housing140 comprising an insertion chamber 145 which is dimensioned forelectronic device 120 to be inserted within. Housing 140 comprisesattachment features 131 and 132 which allow for electronic device 120 tobe attached to the stand portion in a stationary position. The housingmay be water-proof or water resistant. The housing may be integrallyformed with the stand and/or the buoyant material. In some embodiments,the housing further comprises a transparent cover which can be pressedagainst the viewable display.

In certain embodiments, the floating platform may be a buoyant case(e.g., waterproof case, water-resistant case, a container designed tohold or protect the electronic device, etc.) for the electronic device.In other embodiments, the insertion chamber may be dimensioned to permitan electronic device and an additional case to be inserted therein. Theinsertion chamber may comprise attachment features and may bedimensioned to permit the removable attachment of a case surrounding anelectronic device to the floating platform. These attachment featuresmay be for example, protrusion, nubs, indentations, adhesiveattachments, loops, latches, clips, etc. In some embodiments, theinsertion chamber further comprises a plastic cover which may be pulledover the electronic device following insertion into the chamber. In someembodiments, the plastic cover may be attached following insertion with,for example, a zipper, adhesive, etc.

The floating platform may further comprise one or more features forstabilization of the floating platform while situated in water. Thesemay prevent the rotation, movement, and/or toppling of the floatingplatform in water. As shown in FIG. 2, floating platform 105 comprisesanchor 133, supports 135 and 136, handle 137, and weighted base 138.Floating platform 105 is situated on the top water surface. Anchor 133is not buoyant and extends to the bottom surface 122 of the body ofwater preventing drift of the floating platform around the top surfaceof the water via anchor line 134. In some embodiments, the floatingplatform may comprise one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.)anchors. Supports 136 and 137 extend to the periphery of the body ofwater surface and are removably attached to water periphery surface 124.The supports may be removably attached to the surface by, for example,suction cup, clip, Velcro, adhesive material, etc. In most embodiments,the attachment means for the supports may be chosen for a ceramic, tile,brick, and/or stone surface. In some embodiments, the floating platformmay comprise one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) supports. Handle137 is dimensioned to permit a user to hold some portion thereof andprevent movement of floating platform 105 on the surface of the water.Typically, handle 137 is composed of a hardened material (e.g., plastic)such that the user may grab or rest against their body and preventmovement of the floating platform. Weighted base 138 is oriented at thebottom of the buoyant material in order to keep the electronic devicesituated out of water and to minimize the potential of the floatingplatform from tipping over. Weighted base 138 may provide a counterweight to the weight of the electronic device thereby preventingtoppling of the floating platform and electronic device into the water.Additionally, the weighted base may stabilize the position of thefloating platform in water, particularly in turbulent water.

The floating platform may comprise additional peripheral devices thatenhance the utility of the smart device. In some embodiments, thefloating platform may further comprise a power source, such as abattery, such that the electronic device may be connected thereto forcharging of the electronic device or to prevent the electronic devicebattery from being drained during use. In some embodiments, the floatingplatform may comprise a solar power source including solar power cellssituated on an external surface of the platform to harnesselectromagnetic radiation for powering of the electronic device.Accordingly, the floating platform may comprise at least one means forconnecting a battery to the electronic device including a port, powerpins or terminals, power contacts, or inductive power transmissionmeans. In certain embodiments, the floating platform may furthercomprise speakers and a connecting means for connecting to theelectronic device. The connecting means may be, for example, port, powerpins or terminals, Bluetooth, auxiliary cord adapters, USB-C cord, etc.In some embodiments, the floating platform may comprise one or moreconnectors to provide data connections (e.g., USB, etc.) for datatransmission through the floating platform to the electronic device. Insome embodiments, the floating platform may comprise headphones (e.g.,earbuds, waterproof headphones, etc.) or one or more headphone ports.The headphone ports may be in electronic communication with theelectronic device when in its stationary position on the platform suchthat a user may connect the headphones to the platform which allows fordata transmission between headphones and the electronic device. In someembodiments, the floating platform may comprise a means for wirelessconnection (e.g., Bluetooth, wifi, etc.) to speakers. The means forwireless connection may connect to the electronic device and wirelesslytransmit a signal to allow speakers to produce sound. In certainembodiments, the floating platform may comprise a stand and/or caseformed integrally with the floating platform and optionally speakersand/or a one or more power sources capable of powering the electronicdevice(s) and/or optional speakers (e.g., battery, solar power, etc.).

In some embodiments, the floating platform may be further configured toaccommodate a human on the surface of the water as well. In theseembodiments, the floating platform may comprise a lounge body that isconstructed to support a person in a reclined position. In otherembodiments, the floating platform will comprise an inner tube, floatingair mattress, floating lounge chair, and the like. When an electronicdevice and a human are situated on the floating platform, the stationaryposition of the electronic device may orient the electronic device in amanner for comfortable viewing by the user.

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; itis to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merelyillustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. Inaddition, each example given in connection with the various embodimentsof the invention is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed hereinare not interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basisfor teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention.

1. A floating platform for supporting an electronic device with aviewable display comprising: (a) buoyant material; and (b) a standconfigured to support the electronic device in a stationary positionwith respect to said floating platform and wherein the plane of saidviewable display of said stationary position is oriented non-parallelwith a water surface when said platform and supported device arefloating on water; wherein said buoyant material is capable of floatingan electronic device supported on said platform on a water surface. 2.The floating platform according to claim 1, wherein the entirety of saidelectronic device floats above the surface of water when said electronicdevice is supported on said platform and said platform is in water. 3.The floating platform according to claim 1, wherein said plane has anobtuse angle with said water surface when said electronic device issupported on said platform and said platform is in water.
 4. Thefloating platform according to claim 1, wherein said stand comprises aflexible portion capable of orienting said plane at multiple angles withrespect to the surface of the water.
 5. The floating platform accordingto claim 1, wherein said lower portion comprises a weighted portioncapable of stabilizing said floating platform when floating in water. 6.The floating platform according to claim 1, wherein said stand comprisesa case for said electronic device.
 7. The floating platform according toclaim 6, wherein said case is water-resistant or water-proof.
 8. Thefloating platform according to claim 6, wherein said case is integrallyformed with said stand.
 9. The floating platform according to claim 6,wherein said viewable display comprises touch sensitivity and said casecomprises a transparent cover which can be pressed against the viewabledisplay for operation of the electronic device.
 10. The floatingplatform according to claim 1, wherein said electronic device is asmartphone or tablet.
 11. The floating platform according to claim 1,wherein said floatable platform further comprises a housing surroundingsaid stand portion, wherein said housing comprises an insertion chamberdimensioned to permit said electronic device to be inserted therein andremovably attached to said stand.
 12. The floating platform according toclaim 11, wherein said insertion chamber is dimensioned to permit saidelectronic device and a case surrounding said electronic device to beremovably attached to said stand.
 13. The floating platform according toclaim 11, wherein said insertion chamber comprises one or more means forattaching said stand portion to said electronic device or a casesurrounding said electronic device.
 14. The floating platform accordingto claim 11, further comprising a transparent closure portion thatcovers said electronic device and said platform is waterproof orwater-resistant for said electronic device.
 15. The floating platformaccording to claim 1, further comprising one or more anchors orsupports.
 16. The floating platform according to claim 15, wherein atleast one of said one or more anchors or supports comprises a means forattaching said anchor or support to a surface.
 17. The floating platformaccording to claim 1, further comprising a handle dimensioned to providestabilization to said floating platform when an electronic device issupported and input is provided to said electronic device by a user. 18.The floating platform according to claim 1, wherein said case and/orstand is formed integrally with said floating platform and one or moreadditional peripheral devices selected from one or more power sourcesfor powering said electronic device, speakers, and combinations thereof.